Provides that the Department of Ecology will review applications for a change in the place of use, purpose of use, or point of diversion for water, provided the applicant has converted to and beneficially used microirrigation. This act specifies the requirements of such applications. (See also HB 1438).   Official Text and Analysis.

Limits the bill to a single basin instead of the entire state, and establishes that the basin pilot project expires on June 30, 2016.

Changes the process from a pilot project located in the Nooksack watershed, Water Resource Inventory Area 01, that expires June 30, 2016, to a process for water right changes located in a county that has at least 6000 acres in raspberry production that expires on June 30, 2020; defines microirrigation technology; requires applicants who participate in this new process to utilize the cost reimbursement process; and removes the intent section.

Directs the Department of Ecology to initiate a process to allow water right holders to change the current status of water rights that are currently being put to a different additional place of use or acreage than is indicated on the associated water right certificate, permit, or claim only if the following conditions are met: the water right is located in a county that has at least 6000 acres in raspberry production as of the effective date of this section; the water right holder has implemented a change from overhead irrigation technology to microirrigation technology; the water right holder has beneficially used the water right for irrigation purposes using microirrigation since implementing the change; the water right holder filed a water right change application or a new water right application for a different or additional place of use or acreage before the effective date of this section; and the water right holder submits specific information to Ecology. If the information provided satisfies the requirements, Ecology must complete the analysis required and issue appropriate superseding water right documents, except that Ecology must use the time period prior to the implementation of the associated change to determine beneficial and consumptive use of the water right. To participate in this process, the applicant must utilize the cost-reimbursement process.

Limits the application of the bill to individuals who converted from overhead irrigation technology to microirrigation technology prior to January 1, 2010.

Limits the application of the bill to individuals who converted from overhead irrigation technology to microirrigation technology prior to January 1, 2010.